What is the Cost of Living in Canada for International Students?

Canada is a favoured choice for international students, including those from India. While Canada is renowned for its quality of life, the cost of living in Canada can fluctuate based on various factors. Assessing these factors carefully before budgeting your expenses to study or live in Canada is important.

Studying Cost in Canada for International Students

The cost of studying in Canada depends on the program you choose and the institution you attend. You can expect a range of CAD 13,000 to 40,000 per year.

Study program	Average annual fee in CAD
Undergraduate Program	$13,000 to $20,000
Postgraduate master's degree	$17,000 to $25,000
Doctoral Degree	$7,000 to $15,000
MBA	$30,000 to $40,000

Generally, humanities, education, and arts programs are more affordable than fields like medicine and engineering. See below for sample undergraduate tuition costs across these subjects.

Subject	Average cost in CAD
Business & Management	$29,000
Engineering	$34,000
Medicine	$33,000
Pharmacy	$41,000
Dentistry	$57,000
Veterinary Medicine	$63,000

Along with the tuition fees, you will have to consider other fees, such as the student visa for Canada, IELTS, and other tests you may have to take to get admission to your desired university. The fees for these for Indian students are mentioned below:

Student visa for Canada - Rs. 9,200
IELTS for Canada - Rs. 17,000
GMAT - Rs. 22,832
GRE - Rs. 17,438

Scholarships to Study in Canada

Below are some of the top scholarships that leading Canadian universities offer to international students.

University	Scholarship	Scholarship value	Eligibility
University of Waterloo	University of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship	20 scholarships valued at $10,000 each	It is awarded annually to exceptional international students entering their first year of undergraduate studies. Open to students with a strong academic record (90% average or higher). Selection considers your grades and any additional requirements set by your chosen faculty. No separate application is needed.
University of Alberta	University of Alberta Centenary Scholarship	Variable from $20,000; payable over four years.	This scholarship recognises outstanding first-year undergraduate students who excel academically (strong transcripts and test scores) and demonstrate leadership through extracurricular and community involvement. No separate application is needed. Submit all your admission documents by the scholarship deadline, including transcripts, grades, and proof of English proficiency. You'll be considered for the scholarship automatically.
Cape Breton University	Entrance Scholarships	Major Entrance Scholarships (total value) Chancellor’s: $30,000 President’s: $20,000 Deans’: $10,000 tzgerald: $20,000 Schwartz: $14,000 W.M. Reid: $11,500 Orpha Thayer-Scott: $10,000	All students must submit an admission application and an official transcript to be considered for entrance scholarships. Those interested in bursaries must also complete a financial need application. Cape Breton University will determine the average for international students entering directly from high school. Students must be currently enrolled in their transfer program. For ESL conditional offers, recipients must attend a CBU English language partner school to be honoured with the award. A minimum average of 80%, as determined by CBU, is required for eligibility, with no failures.
University of Winnipeg	President’s Scholarship for World Leaders	Undergraduate - 6 awards of $5,000 each. Graduate - 3 awards of $5,000 each.	To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must: Maintain a minimum 80% admission average or its equivalent. Be classified as an international student. Be entering the first year of any program or school at the University of Winnipeg. Demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities. Submit a complete application for admission by the scholarship deadline.
University of Regina	Entrance Scholarship	$3,000	The scholarship is automatically granted to undergraduate students holding a study permit seeking admission directly from a secondary school (or equivalent) into a direct-entry undergraduate program. To qualify, students must have an early-conditional admission average of 85.00% or higher and be enrolled in nine credit hours in the semester when the award is conferred.

Living Expenses in Canada for International Students

Setting aside funds for grocery shopping, social activities, and emergencies is essential. When assessing your budget, also consider these everyday expenses in Canada:

Expenses	Average cost per month in CAD
Internet/phone	$50- $76
Food and groceries	$1200- $1500
Electricity/gas	$200
Transport	$100 - $150

Accommodation Costs in Canada

Many universities in Canada provide on-campus residence facilities known as Halls of Residence for international students. This option offers affordable living but requires a separate application, and it's advisable to apply well in advance to secure a spot. The average cost typically ranges from CAD 8,000 to CAD 10,000 per year.

Additionally, there are other popular accommodation options in Canada for international students:

Accommodation type	Average cost per month in CAD
Hostels	$300 - $600 ($10 - $20 per night)
Private apartment	$400-$1500
Shared rental	$250 - $700
Homestay	$400 - $800

Average Income in Canada for International Students

Canada offers numerous career options to international students after studying at Canadian colleges and universities. Here are some of the top emerging careers in Canada:

Job Type	Average Salary
Web Developer	$64,000
Human Resources (HR) managers and recruitment officers	$65,541
Electrical engineer	$85,000
Financial Advisor	$62,736
Pharmacist	$71,600
Aerospace engineer	$90,000
Project Manager	$86,633
Account Manager	$56,596
Registered Nurse (RN)	$87,603
Software Engineer	$118,928
Healthcare Professionals	$85,193
International Media Planner	$45,343

As an international student in Canada holding a study permit and enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during summer breaks. You are allowed to work for any employer in any occupation anywhere in Canada.

Here are some popular part-time jobs that students opt for while studying in Canada:

Part-time Job Type	Average Salary
Freelancer, virtual/online jobs	$25 per hour
Server/Bartender	$11.00 per hour
Ridesharing driver	$14-$25 per hour
Tutor	$15-20 per hour
Teacher’s assistant	$15-16 per hour

Cost of Healthcare Insurance in Canada

All students travelling to Canada are required to obtain medical insurance before starting their program. International student health insurance in Canada typically costs between $600 and $900 per year (indicative). In provinces such as British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Newfoundland, Manitoba, Labrador, or Saskatchewan, you will be covered under the respective provincial health plans for your stay.

Summary

Canada is among the most economical study-abroad countries for international students. It offers Indian students world-class universities, abundant employment opportunities, and a high standard of living. For studying in Canada, Indian students can carefully manage their expenses and budgeting to maximise their stay and enjoy a rewarding educational experience.

Cost of Living in Canada for International Students